Court documents showed Steele spent over half a million on jewelry alone. Former CEO to pay full restitution in $15M embezzlement scheme Faherty also stopped by Steeles Home Market general store on Monday but said the doors were locked and there are for sale signs in front. This station is part of Cox Media Group Television. Donna Steele Donna Steele enters the federal courthouse in Charlotte to plead guilty to wire fraud on Wednesday, Jan. 12, 2022. You can cancel at any time. As a result of Steeles embezzlement, TIGRA USA experienced several difficulties, including vendors withholding products from the company for non-payment or late payments, customers complaining about being placed on credit holds, notwithstanding timely payments of their bills, employees having their company credit cards declined when they were trying to use them for legitimate business expenses, employees not being paid on time and employees having their insurance canceled without warning. They have also lived in Cumming, GA and Winston Salem, NC. WSOC TV facebook feed(Opens a new window), PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Former CEO to pay full restitution in $15M embezzlement scheme, Fisherman pulls massive catfish out of Lake Norman, City worker killed in accidental fire at home, Charlotte Fire says, Another homebuyer says Keyo Tiny House didnt do the work, AA pilots picket outside Charlotte Douglas over contract negotiations, Man accused in NC deputys shooting death escapes jail, deputies say, WSOC - TV Public File Contact / Program Director, WAXN - TV Public File Contact / Program Director. Donna M Steele, age 50s, lives in Hickory, NC. (WATCH BELOW: Clinic Employee Charged With Embezzlement), Clinic Employee Charged With Embezzlement Clinic Employee Charged With Embezzlement. There was a problem saving your notification. Former Hickory CEO to be sentenced in $15M embezzlement scheme. Tigra Steele pleaded guilty to a wire fraud embezzlement scheme that involved Tigra, a company based out of Hickory. Steele did not answer any of Channel 9s questions as she headed into the courtroom. Oliver's Landing New Build. Whether its raising two chickens, gardening or whatever. Irene Wysong Cline, Andrew Bridgeforth, and eight other persons are also associated with this address. We are gratified that justice is being done, Motzer, the president of the company, said in an email. @wsoctv pic.twitter.com/SVeD7EhyWr. There was a problem saving your notification. . Court documents reveal Donna Steele took more than $15 million from a business in Hickory. By using this website, you accept the terms of our Visitor Agreement and Privacy Policy, and understand your options regarding Ad Choices. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. 2023 Cox Media Group. You have permission to edit this article. This week, Judge Kenneth Bell signed off on an agreement between Donna Steele and federal prosecutors for early prepayment. You can cancel at any time. (WATCH BELOW: Former CEO pleads guilty to embezzling more than $15M to fund lavish lifestyle), Former CEO pleads guilty to embezzling more than $15M to fund lavish lifestyle. (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). You have permission to edit this article. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. It was a slap on the wrist, he said. Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter - hickoryrecord.com Steele was hired at AdSign Corporation in October 1994 as an office manager. Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. A judge will decide the total restitution. They noted the company hired and promoted Steele despite her lack of education and the fact she was on supervised release after serving a federal prison sentence for personally cashing checks from another business. Officials told Channel 9 none of the $15 million has been paid back. Steele, who lives in Alexander County, is scheduled to appear in federal court in Charlotte on Wednesday. The Brookford Police Department will be making a second appearance on the TV show On Patrol: Live this weekend. The memo said she blamed the owners for financial irregularities such as lapses in health insurance coverage and late paychecks. {{start_at_rate}} {{format_dollars}} {{start_price}} {{format_cents}} {{term}}, {{promotional_format_dollars}}{{promotional_price}}{{promotional_format_cents}} {{term}}, Van crashes into industrial clinic on Tate Boulevard in Hickory; no serious injuries reported, Hickory fiber optic company suffered ransomware attack in March, Catawba County Schools announces 5 new principals, LOCAL PRO ROUNDUP: Bumgarner released by D-backs after clearing waivers, Comic book store owner's heroic action leads to arrest of man on attempted rape charge in Hickory, Alexander County high school received concerning call; students are safe, additional police responding, Wine, NC beer now available at two more businesses in downtown Newton, Car flips onto roof, one person injured in Hickory crash, New property values in Catawba County are a land and money grab, Hickory man makes court apperance in fatal hit-and-run, 9-year-old, baby remain hospitalized after crash that killed mother, He was born with defective heart; foundation in his memory touched many in Catawba County, Newton-Conover's Garcia signs with Carolina University for soccer, See a clip now: 'Bar Rescue' episode featuring Hickory pub that airs at 10 p.m. on April 23, Board denies book appeal in 4-3 vote; book challenger says policy unclear, 'On Patrol: Live:' Brookford police to appear on TV show again; episodes air Friday, Saturday nights, Update: 2 adults, 2 teens charged in Hickory shooting that injured 17-year-old, Ukrainian soldiers get targeted by rockets while digging trenches near Bakhmut, Scientists launch new study into humans after realizing spiders lose eyesight due to malnutrition, Analysis: Mom and pop safe as First Republic Bank fails, Biden vows banking system is 'safe and sound'. The store was operated by Steele and her family and once had a Hickory address, according to the stores Facebook page. Former CEO pleads guilty to embezzling more than $15M to fund - MSN Hopefully karma is finally going to get her, he said. Steele, 52, of Taylorsville will be sentenced at a later date, Judge David. The company is a North Carolina Domestic Business Corporation, which was filed on March 12, 2015. According to the documents, some of the charges to company credit cards Steele made include $1 million for travel expenses on airlines and hotels for herself, her family and friends, $1 million in entertainment-related expenses and $500,000 in jewelry. The three employees pointed to signs of trouble at the company during Steeles tenure. Prosecutors said Steele had a multi-faceted embezzlement scheme, using her position to make more than $6 million in personal credit card purchases, approximately 98 checks totaling more than $2.8 million, 127 QuickBooks transactions totaling more than $4.7 million; and at least 117 wire transfers totaling more than $2.2 million. Select this result to view Donna M Steele's phone number, address, and more. Donna Osowitt Steele is accused of embezzling more than $15 million from her employer, Tigra, in Hickory between 2013 and 2020, according to court documents. The charge carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. Past Addresses: Hickory NC, Kannapolis NC +11 more. By using this website, you accept the terms of our Visitor Agreement and Privacy Policy, and understand your options regarding Ad Choices. Thats kind of the plans for that. Goewey said he looked at the property when it was for sale seven or eight years ago before the Steeles bought and remodeled the cabin, farmhouse and barn. Tigra was founded in Germany in 1983 by Harald Feld and Helge Motzer, the companys website says. Perkins was not satisfied with the sentence Steele received in 1995. 'We were all pawns in Donna's game:' Employees blast embezzling former CEO in letters to judge. 2 min read. Weve looked at several properties. I think that we have some families in the community who are really interested in educating, teaching, Goewey said. (Facebook photo) A Taylorsville woman accused of embezzling more than $15 million from her employer in Catawba County had been convicted in the past of embezzlement as well. {{start_at_rate}} {{format_dollars}} {{start_price}} {{format_cents}} {{term}}, {{promotional_format_dollars}}{{promotional_price}}{{promotional_format_cents}} {{term}}, Photos courtesy of LAZE L FARM PHOTOGRAPHY, Photo courtesy of LAZE L FARM PHOTOGRAPHY, Van crashes into industrial clinic on Tate Boulevard in Hickory; no serious injuries reported, Hickory fiber optic company suffered ransomware attack in March, Catawba County Schools announces 5 new principals, LOCAL PRO ROUNDUP: Bumgarner released by D-backs after clearing waivers, Comic book store owner's heroic action leads to arrest of man on attempted rape charge in Hickory, Alexander County high school received concerning call; students are safe, additional police responding, Wine, NC beer now available at two more businesses in downtown Newton, Car flips onto roof, one person injured in Hickory crash, New property values in Catawba County are a land and money grab, Hickory man makes court apperance in fatal hit-and-run, 9-year-old, baby remain hospitalized after crash that killed mother, He was born with defective heart; foundation in his memory touched many in Catawba County, Newton-Conover's Garcia signs with Carolina University for soccer, See a clip now: 'Bar Rescue' episode featuring Hickory pub that airs at 10 p.m. on April 23, Board denies book appeal in 4-3 vote; book challenger says policy unclear, Ukrainian soldiers get targeted by rockets while digging trenches near Bakhmut, Scientists launch new study into humans after realizing spiders lose eyesight due to malnutrition, Analysis: Mom and pop safe as First Republic Bank fails, Biden vows banking system is 'safe and sound'. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. Former CEO to pay full restitution in $15M embezzlement scheme - Yahoo News On Jan. 12, Donna Steele pleaded guilty to embezzling more than $15 million dollars from TIGRA USA in Hickory, where she was once CEO, according to court documents. Steele faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of $250,000. Learn about careers at Cox Media Group. We are gratified that justice if being done.. The property was previously owned by Timothy and Donna Steele. Goewey said their plan is to have a working farm on the property. Former CEO charged with embezzling millions from company | wcnc.com She also had four charges for worthless checks in Yadkin County that year. Today, he is the owner of the Chick-fil-A restaurant on U.S. 70 in Hickory, he said. Those writing in support of Steele included her family members and representatives of a prison ministry Steele has worked with. Hickory fiber optic manufacturer CommScope was the victim of a ransomware attack in late March, the company confirmed in a statement Tuesday. Please subscribe to keep reading. Steele was released on bond following the court hearing, and she left the courthouse with her attorney. She also siphoned off money from the company to support her side businesses. There was a problem saving your notification. 2. To the left and right of the main room are hallways leading to the dressing rooms for the wedding party. Business owner says Alexander County woman's embezzlement scheme in The filing status is listed as Admin. Donna Steele, seen here in January walking to the federal courthouse to plead guilty to embezzling millions from a Hickory company, is scheduled to be sentenced Nov. 3. In January, Steele sold the Taylorsville property she used for a wedding venue known as The Nest for $1.5 million. She had been living at that address since December 2007. Former Hickory CEO sentenced to 8 years in prison in $15M - Yahoo News Motzer was joined in the courtroom by about a dozen TIGRA employees. {{start_at_rate}} {{format_dollars}} {{start_price}} {{format_cents}} {{term}}, {{promotional_format_dollars}}{{promotional_price}}{{promotional_format_cents}} {{term}}, Van crashes into industrial clinic on Tate Boulevard in Hickory; no serious injuries reported, Hickory fiber optic company suffered ransomware attack in March, Catawba County Schools announces 5 new principals, LOCAL PRO ROUNDUP: Bumgarner released by D-backs after clearing waivers, Comic book store owner's heroic action leads to arrest of man on attempted rape charge in Hickory, Alexander County high school received concerning call; students are safe, additional police responding, Wine, NC beer now available at two more businesses in downtown Newton, Car flips onto roof, one person injured in Hickory crash, New property values in Catawba County are a land and money grab, Hickory man makes court apperance in fatal hit-and-run, 9-year-old, baby remain hospitalized after crash that killed mother, He was born with defective heart; foundation in his memory touched many in Catawba County, Newton-Conover's Garcia signs with Carolina University for soccer, See a clip now: 'Bar Rescue' episode featuring Hickory pub that airs at 10 p.m. on April 23, Board denies book appeal in 4-3 vote; book challenger says policy unclear, Ukrainian soldiers get targeted by rockets while digging trenches near Bakhmut, Scientists launch new study into humans after realizing spiders lose eyesight due to malnutrition, Analysis: Mom and pop safe as First Republic Bank fails, Biden vows banking system is 'safe and sound'. Steele admitted that, in an effort to hide the fraudulent scheme, she limited communications and interactions between the employees and owners for TIGRA and monitored communications that did occur, she convinced employees that company owners should be feared, and lied to employees about the true nature of TIGRAs financial trouble, according to the news release. Clinic Employee Charged With Embezzlement, WSOC TV facebook feed(Opens a new window), ALSO READ: Register of Deeds accused of embezzling more than $100K from Catawba County, Fisherman pulls massive catfish out of Lake Norman, City worker killed in accidental fire at home, Charlotte Fire says, 3-year construction project on NCs Blue Ridge Parkway begins, Cornelius police officer resigns after arrest, officials say, Man accused in NC deputys shooting death escapes jail, deputies say, WSOC - TV Public File Contact / Program Director, WAXN - TV Public File Contact / Program Director. Seth Couch said it took weeks to get his money back. 34. She is expected to plead guilty and faces a possible sentence of 20 years in prison, Lia Bantavani with the U.S. Department of Justice said. Donna W Steele in Taylorsville, NC - Address & Phone Number - Whitepages King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina, in a press release. Steele also used stolen money to fund personal businesses run by her family, according to a court filing Friday by U.S. Attorney Dena Kings office. Free Tools ; Leads by Industry ; Top Profiles . CHARLOTTE, N.C. - Donna Osowitt Steele, 52, of Taylorsville, N.C., appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge David S. Cayer today and pleaded guilty to wire fraud, for embezzling more than $15 million from her former employer, announced Dena J. TIGRA is seeking restitution in excess of $16 million. A Taylorsville woman who earlier this year pleaded guilty to embezzling more than $15 million has signaled she is willing to begin making restitution payments ahead of her sentencing. He said the embezzlement nearly bankrupted the company, and that it is still stuck with millions in debt. Bernd Motzer, the owner Tigra, spoke at the sentencing, noting the company almost went under due to the accused actions of Steele. We have chickens. Select this result to view Donna M Steele's phone number, address, and more. She was up most of the night, crying, stressing out about it, because this is one of the best days of her life, he said. She added: I never questioned her about this because I trusted her and never thought there was an alternative reason for doing this. . She is currently awaiting sentencing. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. Earlier this year, Channel 9s Dave Faherty reported that Donna Steele pleaded guilty to a wire fraud embezzlement scheme that involved Tigra, a company based out . This is the one, when it came available, we decided to go for it, Goewey said. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Former CEO to pay full restitution in $15M embezzlement scheme. Granite Falls, NC. In 1993, she faced eight worthless check charges in Forsyth County, according to the county court records. Donna Steele arrives Thursday afternoon at the federal courthouse in Charlotte for sentencing on embezzlement charges, Steeles detractors and supporters submitted letters to the court seeking to influence the sentence. Feds detail what NC CEO bought after allegedly embezzling $15M . A Taylorsville woman has been charged with a wire fraud embezzlement scheme. When credit card companies reached out to Steele about suspicious transactions, she would respond saying the transactions were approved, the documents say. We grabbed lunch downtown and then took a brief stroll on the City Walk. Were going to keep bees for honey, local honey. It will be a working farm. Please subscribe to keep reading. Employees of a tool company in Hickory condemned their former CEO Donna Steele as a manipulative liar in letters to a federal judge intended to influence sentencing in Steeles embezzlement case. (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). West Jefferson, NC. Steele also caused 127 fraudulent and unauthorized wire transfers to be executed as Quickbooks transactions, transferring more than $4.7 million from TIGRAs bank accounts to her personal bank account. NC company CEO allegedly embezzled $15 million, feds say | Raleigh News The company almost did go under, Motzer said.

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